The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Explore America’s Heartland
Embark on the best Mississippi River cruises to explore the rich tapestry of America’s heartland. These journeys offer a unique blend of historical intrigue, cultural depth, and stunning natural beauty, cruising through diverse landscapes and iconic cities that define the spirit of the United States.
Overview of Mississippi River Cruises
The Mississippi River, flowing from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, offers a quintessential American experience through its 2,350-mile journey across 10 states. Renowned for its slow, meandering paths, these cruises provide an intimate glimpse into the heart of America, echoing Mark Twain’s sentiments about the river’s towns being “cheering to the spirit” and “reposeful as a dreamland.”
Current Cruise Lines Operating on the Mississippi
The Mississippi River offers a variety of cruise experiences, serviced by several different cruise lines each providing unique features and amenities. Here’s an expanded look at the companies offering cruises on this iconic American river:
| Cruise Line | Fleet Details | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| American Cruise Lines | Operates five ships on the Mississippi, including three modern riverboats and two classic paddlewheelers. | Known for luxurious accommodations and comprehensive, all-inclusive packages. Family-owned with a strong emphasis on American-built ships and crew. |
| Viking Mississippi | Introduced in 2022, this modern vessel can accommodate 386 passengers across five decks. | Offers Scandinavian-inspired design and state-of-the-art amenities. First US river cruise by Viking, adding to their extensive global fleet. |
| Avalon Waterways | Utilizes smaller vessels for a more intimate cruising experience, typically hosting fewer than 200 passengers. | Focuses on personalized service and flexible cruising options, including choice of onshore excursions and dining experiences. |
| Riverboat Twilight | A smaller operation that offers 1.5- and 2-day cruises, providing a shorter, more focused river experience. | Specializes in thematic journeys, like jazz music cruises and historical tours, aboard a traditional riverboat. |
| Queen of the Mississippi | Operated by American Cruise Lines, this paddlewheeler emphasizes traditional design paired with modern luxury. | Offers deep dives into Civil War history and steamboat-era culture, with period-themed entertainment and lectures. |
These cruise lines each bring a distinct flavor to their voyages, with varying lengths of trips, themes, and focuses on either luxury or educational content, making the Mississippi River a versatile and appealing destination for a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into American history, a luxurious retreat, or a brief exploratory journey, these cruises provide ample opportunities to experience the heartland of America in comfort and style.
Costs and Inclusions of Mississippi River Cruises
Here is a detailed comparison of costs and what’s included in Mississippi River cruises offered by various cruise lines. The prices and features listed below give an insight into what you can expect when planning a river cruise on the Mississippi.
| Cruise Line | Average Cost per Person | Duration | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Cruise Lines | $4,200 – $5,800 | 8-9 days | Includes WiFi, all meals, an open bar, one complimentary excursion per port, evening entertainment, port taxes, and fees. Gratuities included. |
| Viking Mississippi | $4,000 – $6,000 | 8 days | Complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks during onboard lunch and dinner, free WiFi, included excursions, port taxes, and pre-cruise hotel stay. |
| Avalon Waterways | $3,500 – $4,500 | 7-10 days | WiFi, choice of daily excursions, wine and beer with dinner, and all meals on board. Optional add-on packages for premium excursions. |
| Riverboat Twilight | $400 – $700 | 1.5-2 days | Includes all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and guided shore excursions. |
| Queen of the Mississippi | $5,000 – $7,000 | 7-14 days | Luxury accommodation, all meals, select beverages, one complimentary excursion per port, nightly entertainment, and inclusive of port charges. |
These prices typically depend on the cabin type and the specific itinerary chosen. Most cruise lines offer upgraded packages that can include additional amenities, more luxurious cabin options, or more comprehensive excursion packages, which can affect the overall cost. Each line strives to create a unique cruising experience, offering a mix of traditional and modern luxuries.
Top Mississippi River Cruises for 2024
22-day Mississippi River Odyssey: From New Orleans to Red Wing, Minnesota
Vessel: Viking Mississippi
Departure Date: September 20, 2024
Highlights: Journey from the vibrant New Orleans up to the serene Red Wing in Minnesota aboard the custom-built Viking Mississippi, featuring river-facing staterooms with balconies. The cruise includes stops in iconic Southern and Midwestern cities, offering a blend of rich history and culture at each port. Key stops include Memphis, St. Louis, and several quaint towns along the river.
12-day Heart of the Delta: From Memphis to New Orleans
Vessel: Viking Mississippi
Departure Date: November 14, 2024
Highlights: This cruise focuses on the musical and cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta. Starting in Memphis and ending in New Orleans, passengers will visit historical sites on the Mississippi Blues Trail, explore the roots of blues music, and enjoy regional cuisine. Key stops include Vicksburg, Natchez, and Baton Rouge.
9-day Music Cities Cruise: From Nashville to Memphis
Vessel: American Splendor
Departure Date: July 9, 2024
Highlights: This music-themed cruise starts with a night at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and ends with live music on Beale Street in Memphis. Passengers will immerse in the musical history of the region, with visits to the Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline museums, and explore the vibrant scenes of Clarksville and Paducah.
23-day Complete Mississippi River Cruise: From New Orleans to St. Paul
Vessel: American Serenade
Departure Date: July 18, 2024
Highlights: An extensive journey through 10 states, this cruise on the award-winning American Serenade offers luxurious amenities and an in-depth exploration of the Mississippi River’s diverse landscapes and cities. The itinerary includes 22 ports of call, with notable stops in Memphis, St. Louis, and several key cities in Iowa and Minnesota.
12-day Mississippi River Gateway Cruise: From New Orleans to St. Louis
Vessel: American Heritage
Departure Date: July 2, 2024
Highlights: This cruise travels from the historic French Quarter in New Orleans to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The journey is rich in history and heritage, with a focus on the era of steam-driven paddlewheelers. Notable ports include Baton Rouge, Natchez, and Vicksburg, where tales of the river’s past come to life.
9-day Lower Mississippi River Cruise: From Memphis to New Orleans
Vessel: American Melody
Departure Date: September 8, 2024
Highlights: Spanning the lower stretch of the Mississippi, this cruise offers a deep dive into the Southern culture and history, with stops at significant Civil War sites and classic Louisiana estates. Passengers will enjoy modern comforts aboard the American Melody, which features spacious staterooms and a unique bow platform for easy disembarking at ports.
Each of these cruises offers a unique perspective on America’s heartland, combining historical insights, local culture, and breathtaking riverine landscapes, making them top picks for 2024 Mississippi River adventures.
Mississippi River Cruises Deals for Seniors
Optimal Times for Mississippi River Cruises
Mississippi River cruises offer varied experiences throughout the year, with each season providing its own unique charm and activities. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the best times to cruise this historic river:
Spring (Late March to Mid-June)
Benefits:
- Floral Bloom: Spring ushers in blooming flowers along the riverbanks, offering spectacular views and ideal photo opportunities.
- Mild Weather: The weather is generally mild, making it comfortable for on-deck activities and shore excursions.
- Wildlife Viewing: Increased activity among local wildlife, providing ample opportunities for bird watching and nature tours.
Considerations:
- Spring can be rainy, which might affect shore excursions but often enhances the scenic lushness of the river environment.
Summer (June to August)
Benefits:
- Vibrant River Life: The river is bustling with activity, from local festivals to outdoor music events, particularly in major river cities like New Orleans and Memphis.
- Extended Daylight: Longer days mean more time for sightseeing and evening activities.
Considerations:
- Summer can bring hot and humid conditions, which might be uncomfortable for some travelers, especially during outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November)
Benefits:
- Autumn Foliage: Arguably the most picturesque time for a Mississippi cruise, with vibrant fall colors along the river.
- Cooler Temperatures: The heat subsides, providing perfect weather for exploring the river and its surroundings.
- Harvest Season: Many local communities along the river celebrate the harvest season with food festivals and fairs, adding a cultural element to cruises.
Considerations:
- As the season progresses, earlier sunsets mean less daylight for late afternoon excursions, though the cooler evenings can be quite pleasant.
Winter (December to February)
Benefits:
- Quiet Cruising: Fewer passengers and less crowded excursions make for a more relaxed experience.
- Holiday Decorations: River towns light up with holiday displays, and some cruise lines offer themed cruises that focus on holiday traditions and celebrations.
Considerations:
- Colder weather can limit time spent on outdoor decks and some southern parts of the river might experience brief periods of chilly conditions.
- The northern reaches of the river can see ice, affecting cruise schedules and availability.
Each season offers its own unique set of experiences and scenery, making Mississippi River cruises a versatile option for different types of travelers seeking to explore America’s heartland in varying climatic conditions.
Sources
https://www.americancruiselines.com/cruises/mississippi-river-cruises
https://travel.usnews.com/features/top-mississippi-river-cruises
https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/ships/mississippi/viking-mississippi.html
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